What does it mean network to use Social Media?

Networking through social media gives us the opportunity to build powerful connections and networks which are vital for our professional and personal lives. These networks formed in social media means that we can maintain and control them based on our personal preference and needs. According to Gutierrez, PLN is about sharing, learning and communicating with other people throughout the world without any restrictions such as time or physical presence requirement. This allows people to network and stay active with very little restrictions allowing them to build stronger connection than ever before. However, being active in social media means that there is a possibility for users to make wrong decisions on what to share and what to avoid (Boyd). This is why it is important for users to understand the risk of having our online data exposed and what consequences there might be if sensitive information is posted.

How are we motivated to participate in networked publics?

Personally, the biggest motivation for me to participate in networked publics is how seamless and easy it is to connect with others throughout the world. Sharing thoughts and ideas to the other side of the globe have given me the opportunity to learn stuff that I would have never learned and have given me motivation to pursue further with my learning. This process allowed me to understand other cultures, viewpoint and information that I would have never received if there was no social media. According to Gutierrez, PLN motivates people by participating in networked publics for learning new topics. I agree with the statement and the motivation is amplified by how easy it is to connect with others. Moreover, we can change our connections whenever we like if our interests changes (Brinke, Rajagopal and Van Bruggen).

What are the Risks and Rewards for Public Communication?

This have been a big topic recently regarding how safe our data is with the big social media companies. Due to how integrated social media have become to our lives, lot of our sensitive information is at risk to be misused. The privacy risk is a big issue that can prevent people from using social media. However, the rewards are plenty and if you are cautious on what you share, then the networks gained can be invaluable. It is important to note that we need to keep fighting to protect our privacy as allowing big social media companies act without consequences can lead to issues in the future.

References

Boyd, Danah. “Networked Privacy.” Surveillance & Society, 22nd December 2012. Web.

Kamakshi, Rajagopal et al. “Understanding personal learning networks: Their structure, content and the networking skills needed to optimally use them.” First Monday (2012). Web.

Gutierrez, Karla. What are Personal Learning Networks? 21st June 2016. 18th January 2021. Web.